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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (US - DVD R1)

Does T3 live up to the first two? Does the DVD live up to expectations? Could this really be the best Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround t...

Introduction Not letting the fact that no film could ever surpass the crowd pleasing sci-fi action of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the makers of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines didn’t let the past stand in their way. They have crafted a fun film that never lets itself get bogged down by the history set by the first two films. Inevitably, however, this is the weakest film of the series. But has Warner provided a disc worthy of the fans? Absolutely. Read on to find out why.

Movie Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines was a project that had nothing going for it. Without James Cameron behind the camera (or involved in any way at all), many thought the project was doomed from day one. With a new director, Jonathan Mostow ( U-571), a new John Connor, Nick Stahl ( Bully), and a story that seemed like a rehash of Terminator 2: Judgment Day it appeared that the naysayers would be right. I am pleased to say that they were only half correct about this film.

Ten years after John and Sarah Connor stopped the T-1000 and Judgment Day, John is in hiding. His fears prove to be well-founded as another, later model terminator, the T-X (played by the smashingly gorgeous Kristanna Loken), travels back to 2003 with a new mission. In the midst of the chaos, John meets Kate Brewster (Claire Danes of My So-Called Life fame), and it seems that their meeting at this time is no coincidence. A T-800 (Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads John and Kate on a journey to learn the truth behind Judgement Day and to stop the T-X.

Terminator 3 is not the bomb that many thought it was going to be. Mostow is wise enough to keep the tone and the look of the movie close enough to Cameron’s original style, so as to not alienate this film from the rest of the series. He does, however, throw enough of his own flair into the mix so that we never feel that we are merely watching a replica of Judgment Day. There are also scenes of action in this film that are simply breathtaking to behold. Not thirty minutes into the movie, one of the greatest scenes of vehicular mass destruction takes place, and the movie rarely lets up until the end. At times, the film begins to border on the ridiculous in the action arena - after a while you begin to notice that something blows up every ten to fifteen minutes! Fortunately however, each and every action scene is a joy to watch.

The actors here are all very strong. Schwarzenegger and Loken are both excellent in their parts. Arnold would have had no excuse to not play a perfect terminator; the real worry lay with the ability of Loken, a virtual unknown, to carry such a heavy role. Loken is a real delight as the T-X with her ability to create small moments with only her head and face movements. Nick Stahl is also believable as John Connor and does a good job throughout. Claire Danes is decent in her role although she would qualify as the weakest link amongst the cast.

The real problem with the movie is the script. As hard as it tries, the story here is nothing that we haven’t already seen from a Terminator film. The good terminator versus bad terminator premise was carried out to much greater effect ten years ago with Judgment Day. The time-travel aspect and inherent paradoxes therein reach a new level of confusion in this film as both terminators have unnatural knowledge of each other's movements from the very beginning and the audience is left to wonder why this movie needed to be created after the finality of the last film. Also, there is far too much goofiness involving Arnold’s terminator. Where Terminator 2 used carefully placed and crafted bits of humor to showcase the small bit of humanity contained within the machine, Terminator 3 frequently uses the terminator as ludicrous comic relief when none is needed. Finally, the much talked about ending is admittedly a little weak and underwhelming in light of the rest of the film.

There is no escaping comparison to the two films that came before Rise of the Machines. The first two in the trilogy are true examples of modern classics. While Terminator 3 tries its best, it is by far the weakest of the series. The admirable job done by the cast and crew to ensure this films place in the series, however, is to be commended. With less brains and more popcorn value, this film should satisfy most fans of the action filled saga.

Video Warner Brothers have overseen a most excellent transfer for Terminator 3. The 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen picture is absolutely flawless. This is reference quality folks. Even under close scrutiny on a big screen TV, there was no evidence of edge enhancement. There were no nicks or scratches to be found on the print. Free of any defects, full of rich color and containing deep and detailed blacks, this transfer is a joy to behold. This is the DVD to use when showing your friends that new television set!

Audio Fear not, my friends, although we do not get a DTS track here (like our Region 2 cousins), the Dolby Digital 5.1 is probably the best 5.1 surround track I have heard. Every scene is full of effects that totally envelop. Dialogue remains crisp and clear; even when the action gets tough. Most will be more than satisfied with this wonderfully hyper surround track. Others, however, will be able to see the incredible potential of a DTS track on any future release of the film. Do not feel cheated by buying this disc, it will give your system a true workout.

Extras The supplemental package included in this release of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines begins with two audio commentary tracks. The first includes director Jonathan Mostow and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes and Kristanna Loken. This track is made up of individual clips from each person involved. This keeps the track from every becoming cluttered or confusing. Each person delivers interesting information and the track is never boring. The second track with director Jonathan Mostow is equally excellent. He has a deep appreciation and understanding of the Terminator movies and he explains the connections between this film and the first two in the series. He also gives some of the detailed technical information that some of us look for in our commentary tracks. Both tracks come highly recommended. Also included on Disc 1 is the theatrical trailer for Terminator 3 and the trailer for the film’s video game counterpart.

Disc 2 starts off with a short introduction by Arnold. Following that is a documentary on the film. It’s more a promotional piece than a documentary, although we do get some decent interview clips and some behind-the-scenes peaks.

Next is the infamous deleted “Sgt. Candy” scene. This shows some of the research being conducted by CRS in conjunction with the Skynet project. In this deleted scene we see the prototype for the Arnold-style terminator. We meet Sgt. Candy and hear his “real” voice and discover where the Arnold-style accent came from. This scene is overly ridiculous and the humor falls flat. If it had been done in a more serious fashion it would have been sorely missed. In the state it is in, though, it was wisely left out of the final cut.

There is also a short gag reel. This reel is good for a chuckle and should definitely be checked out. Watch for the naughty hand gesture pulled off by the T-X endoskeleton.

Next we enter the real meat of the extra features: The “Visual Effects Lab”. Following an informative introduction by some of the cast and crew, we are invited to detailed breakdowns of four effects heavy sequences in the film: the Crane Chase, the TX Transformation, the Future War and Crystal Peak. Each section presents a challenge for the effects team and gives us video clips and interviews with the people involved with the creation of said effects. These sections are technical enough for those interested but never overly so. They are always interesting. Finally, there is a “Create Your Own Visual Effects” feature that sounds much more fascinating than it ends up being. Using the tricks that you have learned in the Visual Effects Lab you are able to put together your own scene. You can chose from “Robots” and “Underwater Scene” background plates. Once inside your selection, you can mix and match different elements to configure. Once finished, your completed scene is played. Unfortunately, the scenes are either clips from the film or clips from the film with obviously rendered changes. Interesting idea, poor execution.

Two features combine to provide some background information on the Terminator series. After correctly answering a trivia question, you are able to enter the Skynet Database and read about the characters and machines involved in the three movies. There is also a Terminator Timeline that will help sort out the now complex series of events spread across the three films.

There is also a trio of interesting featurettes included on the DVD. The first is a storyboard featurette that plays the Crystal Peak scene while simultaneously showing the storyboards for the scene. This automatically progressing featurette is much more interesting than your standard static storyboards. The next featurette is called “Dressed to Kill” and explains the work that went into the costumes in the film. Lastly you will find “Toys in Action” which covers the action figures that came with the Terminator 3 marketing blitz. All three are interesting and worth checking into.

Rounding out the features is a trailer for the PC game, a making-of for the video game and some web links. The making-of the video game featurette is far more interesting than it should be and was actually a pretty fun watch.

This DVD package, while not the most spectacular ever conceived, is quite comprehensive. Although a more detailed behind-the-scenes documentary could have been included, most information contained within such a feature can be found spread out on these discs. As a side note, all special features can be viewed with French subtitles. Bravo Warner Brothers.

Overall Terminator 3 was a pleasant surprise for a huge Terminator fan such as myself. While the film was disappointing overall, it wasn’t the astronomically depressing disappointment I anticipated. The movie sets up the series for a fourth addition, although with Arnold busy with his new political duties I do not foresee a quick (or good) sequel coming along. Standing alone as an action film, T3 excels. If for no other reason, pick this disc up for the reference quality picture and one of the best 5.1 tracks ever. Otherwise, pick it up to enjoy an admirable attempt to follow-up one of the best sci-fi films ever.

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As a newbie to the world of Home Cinema I would like to re-iterate the review. I love to buy films that drive my system and sometime I like a movie simply for that. T3, I was putting off in hope of a Trilogy box or something but someone brought it for me for Christmas. I was overwhelmed. The LFE etc .. was awsome, Picture was great, special effects were draw dropping and the DVD menu was perfect. In fact I am now glad to have this as apart of my collection and as an individual release. I have now ordered the Terminator Collection Box (T1 & 2) to complete the set. And because I cant remember them that well so I wanted to see what all the above was about :-) I vaguley remember T1 but recon I might of actually missed T2?

For Video/ Audio quality and a good look DVD menu thats deserves revisiting every time someone wants to hear what 5.1 is all about. Accompanied by a good TV/LCD/plasma or whatever you have a movie that should be played alongside Star Wars Episode 1 in Home entertainment shops.

Quote: Originally posted by Chad Campbell Ok first thats fine I know you have your opinion but look at some of the things. And continuing on with the nano-bots, yes most cars of now adays do have a lot of onboard computers, especially Emergency Vehicals, have you ever been in one? They have lots of stuff and gidgets and gadets. They have huge machines that they can connect to cars and remote control them. That is all the nano bots, are, they are small little things that with magnets, and many other things control other machines. Also bud this is Sci-Fi. Not realistic George. No it was not just so that they could blow things up, it made it so where John would learn the lesson when the T-850 was turned against him. Trust me most cars do have enough circutry that they could easily be controled by nano-bots. Nano-bots are actually in a lot of delvelpment now. They have nano bots that will improve sight, hearing, and if nano technolgoy will make us super humans I'm sure it could control other machines.

So in two/three years time (approx. when T3 takes place) all emergency vehicles will be able to drive themselves then?

Oh yea it is Sci-Fi. It just seems you completley ignored my case with you can believe Liquid metal but you cannot believe in a technology that is being researched. The army now has so many robotics that can control vehicals from a distance, so what makes you think we can't make those machines in a nano size?

Did I say they couldn't (or rather won't)? I'm merely stating that I found it somewhat unbeliveable in the context of the film. Suspension of disbelief was broken in that scene, for me at least.

I understand your opinion. But you sound like the people that sat there and told HG Wells he is full of shit for believeing that we will have flying wars...hmmm.

No, I really don't. I could point out a shed load of things I didn't like about the film, aside from continuity and the points above (not least the fact that it was essentially a B-Movie remake of T2), but I see no reason to. You clearly have your views on the film, and I have mine. In fact, had you not been so condescending in your original reply I wouldn't have bothered to engage in this discussion.

Ok first thats fine I know you have your opinion but look at some of the things. And continuing on with the nano-bots, yes most cars of now adays do have a lot of onboard computers, especially Emergency Vehicals, have you ever been in one? They have lots of stuff and gidgets and gadets. They have huge machines that they can connect to cars and remote control them. That is all the nano bots, are, they are small little things that with magnets, and many other things control other machines. Also bud this is Sci-Fi. Not realistic George. No it was not just so that they could blow things up, it made it so where John would learn the lesson when the T-850 was turned against him. Trust me most cars do have enough circutry that they could easily be controled by nano-bots. Nano-bots are actually in a lot of delvelpment now. They have nano bots that will improve sight, hearing, and if nano technolgoy will make us super humans I'm sure it could control other machines.

Oh yea it is Sci-Fi. It just seems you completley ignored my case with you can believe Liquid metal but you cannot believe in a technology that is being researched. The army now has so many robotics that can control vehicals from a distance, so what makes you think we can't make those machines in a nano size?

I understand your opinion. But you sound like the people that sat there and told HG Wells he is full of shit for believeing that we will have flying wars...hmmm.

Quote: Originally posted by Chad Campbell One yes he did make a mistake with the dates of that. But big deal. Small mistakes, which Cameron made.

When did Cameron make them? I'm perfectly open to the idea that he did, but clearly they weren't glaringly obvious to me (unlike the ones in T3).

And cars that drive them selves. Yes same with liquid metal...hmmm. Actually there are Nano bots, thats all they are that she uses. Nano bots use magnetic waves to control the cirtitruy in a car. Its not that un-believable. It is actually being done, all she does is have remote control of it, with small nano bots. There are big devices that all ready can control cars from remote. So your saying that nano tranistors do not exist? Learn some more about science buddy.

Liquid metal is science fiction; cars are science fact. The cars in T3 cannot behave in the manner they do, simply because they just don't have the components necessary. So the T-X can control the circuitry can she? Fine, I have no problem with that (and I’m intelligent enough to realise that was the point), but exactly how did she control the accelerators, brakes and steering etc? Last time I checked there weren’t many cars that had onboard computers to do that (they merely augment these features). Science fiction works best when it is grounded in science fact. The 'cars driving themselves' scene was nothing more than a contrived plot device so that lots of things could get crushed and blown up. Buddy.

And its not just mindless action. There was lots to the movie. As most know I am "TheStorm" from the offical T3 boards/ TAF boards, considered one of the bigest T Fans around.

As most know? I've never heard of you mate.

Yes T2 was better, and T3 had it's faults but it was a very good movie. If your a true fan you would relize that all the plot points made sense. If you really look deep.

In your opinion it was a very good movie, but in mine it was mediocre action fodder at best. Anyway, who said I was a 'true fan'? I enjoy the first two for what they are, but I'm not the one obsessing about it.

That and we have the harshest critic in the world that said he liked it and thought it was great. Hmmm what was his name....oh yea I remember. James Cameron.

When did Cameron branch out into film criticism then? Just because someone says a film is good it doesn't make it so. He gave his opinion. It just so happens that I disagree with it (because I have a mind of my own).

On that BBC interview. And if your a movie buff you would know that James Cameron does not lie to make people feel better, he's as cold as the come.

No, I would know that if I were a James Cameron buff, which I am not. He's only made a handful of films, and I only really like about three, perhaps four of them.

He hated Alien 3 with a passion as did I. But he felt that Mostow succeeded. Q. Tarantino said his fav movie this year was T3.

What has Alien 3 got to do with anything? Once again you mention another director who said it was his 'favourite movie', but why should I care what he thinks? Why are you so concerned with converting me?

T3 is one of those movies where idiots only see mindless action. When people that look past see more. If you read between the lines. The story is quite intriguing. Especially to T fans.

So now you're calling me an idiot? Perhaps you should read back though your post and come back when you know the difference between 'your' and 'you're' mate. Oh, and ever heard of punctuation? If so, 'you're' not using it correctly.

Now I admit there should of been more stuff.

That's very good of you.

Which we will get in the Ultimate Edition DVD of T3. The rumored original time length of T3 was 159 mintues with a 10 minute future war, tons more of just details of story and so forth. So maybe that edition will change some peoples minds.

So I have to buy another version of the film to make it better? That sounds like one of two things: incompetence or greed.

People just bitch too much anymore.

Eh???

They act like they are such big movie nerds they can make better.

No, people are entitled to their opinions, which is something you don't appear to respect. Films are art. Art can be criticised. In fact, when people make films they are opening themselves up to be criticised, in much the same way as reviewers on this site do when they write about said films. I happen to really like ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, but the majority of people who work for this site don’t. I don’t spend hours trying to convert them – why should I? I can put across my point of view, and if they agree it’s great, if not, no harm done.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines was a terrific achievement of action and drama, which combined many of the best elements from both the original Terminator (still the best of the series), and the much ballyhooed (and overrated) Terminator 2: Judgement Day. while T3 enjoyed success amongst the franchise' already large fanbase, there was often the cry of a disclaimer that it was "obviously weaker than T2". that dear readers is, how can i put it politely, a crock of s#*t. T3 is a far better paced film than that of its bloated predecessor, and the lack of "real science" is equally leveled in BOTH films. further, the continuity errors are far more damaging in T2, since within the very framework of the idea, Cameron cannot get the dates the events are supposed to take place correctly established. for example: if John Connor is, as the police computer establishes in the film's beginning, 10 years old, it must be 1995 when the film takes place. ok, no problem there. (assuming one is kind and doesn't notice the terrible casting done with John, using a 12 year old actor who actually looks about 14. but i digress.) however, during the sequence where the T-101 (and yes, its a model 101, NOT an 800. that is the series number. i'm honestly tired of correcting you nerdlings on this point) is driving John and Sarah, describing the events that are yet to occur, he very specifically points out that Miles Dyson will introduce the program that ultimately leads to the entire Skynet situation "in a few months". then, IN 3 YEARS, Congress will pass a bill funding the Skynet project. do the math kids. if its 1995 to begin with (and let me digress to point out that it most certainly is 95 in the story's timeline, since the original film CLEARLY establishes the year, onscreen as being "Los Angelas, 1984" and then Reese asks a cop what month it is, to which the cop tells him, "May". he does not answer when asked the year, but we the audience have already been told that it is 1984, which was present day upon the film's release. following the conception of John during Kyle and Sarah's night together, it would follow that John would be born in February, which is correctly established on the patrol car readout in the beginning of T2. John was born on 2/28/85, and his age is identified as "10", placing T2 unquestionably during 1995) then, the events occuring "in 3 years" which the T-101 is describing to Sarah, would exceed past the "August 29, 1997" date that is blatantly stated as "Judgement Day. its sloppy writing, bottom line, and the film's producers neither cared, nor were interested in detailing the ideas sufficiently enough to circumvent an obviously correctable moment in the script. mistakes regarding John's age are present in T3 as well, since he claims in the voiceover that he was "13" when the first Terminator came back to kill him, which is patently incorrect also. what ultimately makes T2 the lesser film, is that fact that it is far too long for the story it is ultimately trying to tell. top that off with the TOTALLY unnecessay extended cut, and your left with a film that is seriously pushing the limits of the audience's patience by telling a story that only needed under 2 hours to be told. The first Terminator was an exercise in tight editing, and constant suspense. the second film (which i would like to clarify is a film i DO like, alot. though this review would possibly lead one to believe otherwise.) was a monstrous action vehicle with a fantastic villian in Robert Patrick. but T3 goes even farther, by daring to have an apocalyptic ending, which DOES fit beautifully into the fabric of the series's storyline, and an extension of the darker elements that made the first film the classic that it is. also, like the first film, T3 was quickly paced, and did not labor its points or get bogged down in its own mythos (something the creators of the Matrix films should take note of). if there is no Terminator 4, that will be a shame, because there is clearly more story to be told. but, if the price is to have a different actor take on the title role (i've heard rumor that "The Rock" has been mentioned as Arny's possibbe successor. one can only hope this is completely false) then it would be preferable to have the series end on the brave finale that Terminator 3 offered. like the subtitle said, it is "The Rise of the Machines". i'm Grimloch, and i am out.

You gotta remember that 7 isn't a bad score. Heck, if all I watched were 7/10 films I wouldn't be worrying all that much. Granted there won't be any 8,9 and 10 flicks but 7 is really not that bad. Looking back at some of my reviews I've really enjoyed some films I've given a 7 to, and often have gone back to them.

For the record, I liked T3, especially the way (most of) the plot wasn't contrived. The humour was good, Claire Danes is always good to look at, and the action scenes were top notch. I reckon I'd go with a 7.5 if we had half-marks here at DVDAnswers.

Quote: Originally posted by Chad Campbell Sorry for these posts, it just makes me mad how people can't just enjoy a movie, and try to find the meaning in them.

No worries, mate, we encourage discussion and feedback. I did enjoy the movie, I really had a fun time with it. And I do see your points about the film. When I rate a film, however, I have to go with my gut. I would rate the Terminator films as:

T1: 8 T2: 9 T3: 7

Just my personal opinion and I don't fault the movie for a few minor lapses in logic, I just didn't feel it lived up to the depth of the scripts of the first two. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I'm sure you will really enjoy the DVD!! I remember hearing about future releases of the film on DVD, but for now this is a excellent little package.

No that is fine. But the reasons most give are just ridiculous, just small little things that really don't matter. I understand people can have their opinions. But it seems anymore people just like to post their negative ones. BTW very good review Brian.

I have some questions about the Commentary with Mostow. While we are waiting *the fans* for him to answer our questions in a Q&A did he say anything about missing scenes/T4?

And to answer the post above, whats wrong with laughing? T2 had as much humor, I remember when T2 first came out people said it was too light. They called it T2: The Baby sitter. T2 had as much humor as this did especially the Special Edition. Nothing wrong with humor in a movie. It would of been too dark with out it, the end of human kind.

It just seems since the Internet age, movies are not as good because so many bash the heck out of them. I bet a million dollars if T2 came out this year, people would find millions of things to bash about it.

Sorry for these posts, it just makes me mad how people can't just enjoy a movie, and try to find the meaning in them.

One yes he did make a mistake with the dates of that. But big deal. Small mistakes, which Cameron made.

And cars that drive them selves. Yes same with liquid metal...hmmm. Actually there are Nano bots, thats all they are that she uses. Nano bots use magnetic waves to control the cirtitruy in a car. Its not that un-believable. It is actually being done, all she does is have remote control of it, with small nano bots. There are big devices that all ready can control cars from remote. So your saying that nano tranistors do not exist? Learn some more about science buddy.

And its not just mindless action. There was lots to the movie. As most know I am "TheStorm" from the offical T3 boards/ TAF boards, considered one of the bigest T Fans around.

Yes T2 was better, and T3 had it's faults but it was a very good movie. If your a true fan you would relize that all the plot points made sense. If you really look deep.

That and we have the harshest critic in the world that said he liked it and thought it was great. Hmmm what was his name....oh yea I remember. James Cameron. On that BBC interview. And if your a movie buff you would know that James Cameron does not lie to make people feel better, he's as cold as the come. He hated Alien 3 with a passion as did I. But he felt that Mostow succeeded. Q. Tarantino said his fav movie this year was T3.

T3 is one of those movies where idiots only see mindless action. When people that look past see more. If you read between the lines. The story is quite intriguing. Especially to T fans.

Now I admit there should of been more stuff. Which we will get in the Ultimate Edition DVD of T3. The rumored original time length of T3 was 159 mintues with a 10 minute future war, tons more of just details of story and so forth. So maybe that edition will change some peoples minds.

People just bitch too much anymore. They act like they are such big movie nerds they can make better.

So the fact that they altered John Connor's age as a plot device, got Sarah Connor's DOB wrong and somehow made cars that can drive themselves (when the mechanics to do it simply aren't there) didn't bother you? T3 is by far the weakest of the series, and a pretty poor film unless you like mindless action.

Some times I feel that audiances just can't find stories in the movie anymore.

Some don't understand this. And it makes me mad. If JOHN IS ALIVE so is the TERMINATOR's. That was a mistake, if they ended it with T2 that would of been a mistake. If the Terminator's/Skynet have been destroyed, that means no Time machine, no machines sent back to kill Sarah, no Reese to save her, and no John. If the Terminator's do not exist either does John.

This movie is a movie where the story is very deep, but you have to look in the action, and the quick paced movie to find it. You have to really look hard. This was a very successfull movie to T2. I just think some people who say they are Terminator fans just never got the story of T2 and the paradox it left at the end. So T3 was needed.

And Mostow threw a big enough turn around at the end, including a malfunctioning T-850.